British Airways is to introduce its own digital “vaccine passport” for the potential reopening of international travel, expected to resume on 17 May 2021 at the earliest. BA is joining other airlines with plans to launch similar schemes, which will allow passengers to register information about their COVID-19 vaccine status in the form of a digital record. Those who have received two doses of an approved vaccine will be eligible to fly under new rules, after registering on the proposed app.
The European Union also plans to introduce a COVID-19 pass or “green digital certificate” to allow free movement within the EU in the coming months. The certificates will help facilitate a smooth return to travel, especially to Southern European countries, which rely heavily on tourism during the summer months. As the UK left the European Union on 31 December 2020, it may need to strike agreements with other European countries to allow British nationals to travel within the EU. However, airlines pursuing the use of digital passports and certificates may help facilitate this.
During the course of the pandemic, international travel has decreased dramatically as countries imposed travel restrictions and bans in an attempt to prevent the spread of the virus. The introduction of “vaccine passports” may help governments to ease travel restrictions, allowing an increase in personal and business travel. Concerns remain among consumers who are reluctant to disclose health and personal information on mobile applications vulnerable to data breaches, as seen with communication applications such as WhatsApp. To address this, technology companies are developing and testing a variety of models of digital vaccine passports and certificates.
The EU is currently vaccinating at a rate of 1 million doses per day, although it remains behind schedule due to supply issues with the various vaccines currently approved for use. As of 19 March, just under 40% of the UK population has received a first dose of a vaccine. Experts expect 70% of the EU adult population will be vaccinated in September 2021, meaning summer travel will likely remain low.
Policy and guidance with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic is subject to change at short notice and travellers are advised to consult the official Government guidance before travelling.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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